THE AUSTRALIAN GRAPES.

Evening Post, Volume LXXV, Issue 32, 7 February 1908, Page 8

THE AUSTRALIAN GRAPES.

BETTER QUALITY; BETTER PRICES. DEAR PEARS AND CHEAP WATERMELONS. The sale of the Moeraki's shipment of Australian grapes (which are of a better quality than tho initial shipmpnt), was concluded ■ this morning,, when fairly satisfactory prices were realised, though the dearer rates for grapes that are ruling in New South Wales this season will necessarily make the profits of the Sydney middleman on this shipment le&s than' they would have been in an ordinary season. Some small-berried lines were sold this morning at 6d per pound, but the better qualities ranged from &^d to 7d and 7^d, while specially bright and plump berries brought Bd. There was a good muster of fruiterers at the sales, end it is evident that the market for this extremely palatable and health-helping fruit is extending in the city. When itho powers of absorption by the local market increase (as they surely must), the oversea shippers will obtain from the greater volume of sales a compensating return of oxtra profits that will probably make them moro satisfied with the prices per box than they seem to be at present. Tho produce marts wero especially busy this morning, for largo consignments of bananas were coming to hand to swell the ordinary fruit supplies and market garden growths. There wero some fine William pears put up, one case of specially fine pears quitted at the good price of 13s. A few watermelons saved from the waves that beset tho Moeraki bore outward traces of their rough passage, but they were quitted at 3d per pound and upwards, whirh must be looked upon as very satisfactory under the special circumstances of their case.

A fair turnover was transacted by brokers to-day on 'Change. There was but littlo moving in securities, and mining scrip was the medium of the dealing. Loan and Mercantile were sold at ss. Buyers have declared for local building societies' shares, but sellers are firm in their prices, hence business has not eventuated. New Zealand Insurance had acceptance at £4, whilst Kauri Timber (15g paid) realised 9s 4d. Talismans were in good demand, sales taking place at £2 13s 3d. Waihi buyers reduced their bids to £8 14s. Holders, however, were firm and declined to entertain less than £8 16s. New Zealand Crowns at 6s 9d, and Tairua Broken Hills at the improved price of 4s 2d, completed the business. "We are just about holding our own," was the reply made by the city engineer to-day, in reply to a question by a Post reporter as to the present position of the water supply. Mr. Morton added that the water in the Wainui dam was now about an inch below the sill, the quantity behind the walls being about 20,000,000 gallons. The depth of water in, the old reservoir at Karori is about 39 feet, and in the new dam further up the valley about 10,000,000 gallons is stored. The water from Karori is being used for the high levels only. The city engineer again emphasised the necessity on the part of consumers for preventing waste of water, pointing out that it might be 'a considerable time before another good downpour of rain occurred. Half-holidays for hotel employees was a matter that held the attention of the Magistrate's Court for some time this morning. Mr. Harrison, licensee of the Palace Hotel, was proceeded against by the Inspector of Factories for an alleged infringement of the law, by failing to give an employee a weekly halfholiday. Mr. Herdman, for defendant, contended that the assistant mentioned in the charge was a night porter. Such employees were necessary, because hotelkeepers were obliged to admit boarders at any time of the night. The Act made no provision for assistants employed during the night; they were simply engaged to work so many hours. Mr. LeCren, on behalf of the Inspector of Factories, held that there were provisions in the Act which applied to the particular case under review. Mr. Riddell reserved judgment. Mr. James Dykes leaves for Christchurch to-night. The Moeraki yesterday brought to Wellington about fifty Australian workmen. During the day a large number called »t the .employment bureau of tho Labour Department, and between twenty-five and thirty werj sent to situations, chielly navvying, in the country. Others decided to stay about the city for a few days in search of employment. The measles contingent at Somes Island has been diminished. Yesterday Dr. Mason (Chief Health Officer) and Dr. Pollen visited the Quarantine Station, and agreed that several of the contacts could be released. "The others are all doing well," said Dr. Mason today. They will all be allowed to go to Wellington soon if their present rato of progress is maintained. Jupp's band will play a programme of music at the Newtown Park on Sunday afternoon. A collection will be taken" up in aid of the widow and family of the late Mr. W. Lawson. Mr. Darcy Ford, Caleclpnian Chamber?, 32, Willis-slrcct, advertises that ho has vopencd m, at his showrooms a largo importation of dama'ks aad sheeting, including nr-w designs iv tablecloth*, gerviattee, quilt«,